2022 GOALS: Euro Champ Arthur PILARD (FRA)

Feb 08, 2022

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2002 times

2021 UEC European BMX Elite Champion and current leader of the UCI ranking Arthur Pilard had a great year but staying on the top is harder than getting there some say. With a new bike, the loss of the mental coach and many athletes trying to take his leading position, 2022 is not going to be an easy cruise for the Frenchman. Arthur is prepared for what's to come. Check his 2022 prep interview below.

Name: PILARD Arthur
Age: 26 years old
City of origin: SQY, France
Sponsors: INSPYRE / PRIDE RACING / SAINT-BRIEUC BMX / SPORT RAD DISTRIBUTION / GFORM / XFORCE / VEE TIRE / OGIO / BACQUER / AU FIL DES ROUTES

Did 2021 turn out as you wished?
Arthur Pilard: Yes, even better! I had an incredible 2021 season, I learned a lot during this year.

With the beginning of the new year, are you still looking to become a faster rider?
Arthur Pilard: This year with my coach we will try new things, work on my faults and do some races.

Have you already chosen your races for 2022?
Arthur Pilard: I will do the UCI World Cup circuit, some European cups and I will continue to help my team on the French cups. Maybe the Grand Prix at the end of the year.

What have you changed on your bike for 2022?
Arthur Pilard: I announced to ride on INSPYRE until 2024. It is a very good bike, I like it. With Jérémy Rencurel we will help the brand to develop the best bike.

Do you usually test things during the off-season, like different tires, different frame sizes, wider bars, longer stems, different gears?
Arthur Pilard: No, I don't test anything, I'm pretty sure of my settings on my bike. We just work with different gears.

What racing equipment will you use in 2022?
Arthur Pilard: I will also change race gear this year, I will ride for a French brand " SHOT ". I will help them to develop the best products.

What is your helmet of choice for the new season?
Arthur Pilard: SHOT FURIOUS

Do you intend to eat better in 2022?
Arthur Pilard: I have a lot to learn on this point, I am a gourmet, I do not deny myself anything, if I feel like something, I go for it!

Has your training program changed compared to last year?
Arthur Pilard: On the whole, no, after that we will try to work on certain points that I lack and try new things.

Who helps you to establish your training program?
Arthur Pilard: My coach (Mike Violain) takes care of everything, I trust him completely on that.

Do you get help for the mental coaching?
Arthur Pilard: Yes we were followed at SQY but this person left and we are looking for another person.

What is the local BMX track that you practice the most?
Arthur Pilard: SQY

Do you ride on pump tracks and trails to improve your bike handling?
Arthur Pilard: No, no pumptrack, some trail riding for fun.

What are your strong points?
Arthur Pilard: My start, my technique and my speed on the track.

What are your weaknesses?
Arthur Pilard: My turns and my tactics

What are your objectives for 2022?
Arthur Pilard: The UCI BMX Racing World Championship at home in France.

Pics by Inspyre / ateaina production

See how the others prepared for 2022:

1) Camille Maire (FRA)
2) Stefan Heil (GER)
3) Vincent Pelluard (COL)
4) Eddy Clerté (FRA)
5) Aiko Gommers (BEL)
6) Payton Ridenour (USA)
7) Sylvain André (FRA)
8) Elke Vanhoof (BEL)
9) Izaac Kennedy (AUS)
10) Asuma Nakai (JPN)
11) Ross Cullen (GBR)
12) Bethany Shriever (GBR)
13) Joshua McLean (AUS)
14) Cameron Wood (USA)
15) Arthur Pilard (FRA)